State-of-the-art shrimp farm project launched

MUSCAT: Fisheries Development Oman (FDO) – part of Oman Investment Authority (OIA) – celebrated on Thursday, December 7, 2023, the formal opening of a major shrimp farming project at Al Khuwaymah in Jalan Bani Bu Ali Wilayat.

The inauguration was held under the auspices of Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.

Speaking on the occasion, Muneer Ali al Muneeri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of FDO, said the project was a demonstration of FDO’s goal of advancing the fisheries sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The primary objective is to augment the economic value and sustainability of the sector by fostering wide-ranging partnerships, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and diversifying activities and products to meet the demands of both local and global markets, he said.

Covering an area of 5 million m2, the shrimp farm was construction with an investment of RO 16 million. The farm aims to annually produce approximately 4000 tonnes of high-quality white-legged shrimp. It features state-of-the-art infrastructure adhering to the highest environmental standards, including lined basins and ongoing experiments for chemical-free operation. This aligns with Oman's Vision 2040 goals related to economic diversification, job creation, advanced technology utilization, and environmental sustainability.

The Omani government has demonstrated considerable interest in the fisheries sector's development, positioning it as one of the largest fish producers in the GCC region and a net exporter of fish and seafood products.

Recent initiatives to modernize the Omani fishing fleet include the launch of the "Aquila" vessel boasting a capacity of up to 1800 cubic meters, Furthermore, the nation's engagement in regional and international collaborations in the fisheries field is evident through active participation in pertinent initiatives and events.

Commercial aquaculture is a cornerstone in contributing to local fish production and fostering economic growth. There is a concerted effort towards product diversification, with controlled environment technologies and marine species contributing to the production of high-quality seafood.